FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is a distance education student?

Q:What is Remote Access/Distributed Learning/Distance Learning?

Q: What are the minimum PC requirements to utilize library resources?

Q: What basic computer skills must I have in order to take Web-based or online courses?

Q: Are there any limits in being a Distributed Learner? What can an on-campus student do that I can't?

Q: What is Portal?

Q: What is a database?

Q: What is TexShare and how does it help me?

Q: Do I need to request a new TexShare card each semester and how do I do that?

Q: What is Interlibrary Loan? When do I use it?

Q: How do Distance Learning students get video/audio/media?

Q: Who is a distance education student?
A: A distance education student is one enrolled in classes at TAMU-CC who lives outside the Corpus Christi Standard Metropolitan area. If a student takes any coursework on campus, that student is not considered a distance student. On the other hand, if a student takes *only* WebCT-based courses, that student may be considered a distance learner.

Q: What is Remote Access/Distributed Learning/Distance Learning? Compare.
A: Remote Access refers to the ability to access library electronic resources from outside of the library building. Any registered student with an internet connection has remote access to library electronic resources. Distributed Learning and Distance Learning are often used interchangeably. They refer to the offering of classes, or portions of classes, via the Internet rather than in the traditional classroom setting. Students are able to complete their coursework without coming to campus for class meetings.

Q: What basic computer skills must I have in order to take Web-based or online courses?
A: Basic computer skills one must have in order to be successful in Web-based or online coursework are: the ability to send and receive e-mail, including attachments; familiarity with the Internet and how to use Web browsers; the ability to install software; word processing skills; and knowing how to cut and paste between applications.

Q: Are there any limits in being a Distributed Learner? What can an on-campus student do that I can't?

A: The library makes every effort to ensure that Distributed Learners have access to the same resources that on-campus students have. Electronic resources are accessible from anywhere in the world. Print resources may be requested through the Interlibrary Loan Department and are mailed directly to distributed learners. Articles from print journals and reference sources will be scanned and made available in electronic format. Students needing reference assistance may call the reference desk at (361) 825-2609 or request help through our Ask-A-Librarian service. Technical assistance can be found here.

Q: What is Portal?
A: Portal is the name of Bell Library's online catalog, the key to its collection
of materials.

Q: What is a database?
A: A database is a collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval (as by a computer). [Merrian-Webster's Online Dictionary] Some specific examples of databases accessed through the Bell Library include Academic Search Premier, ArticleFirst, PsycINFO, and TOPICsearch, which can be found on the library's Databases Web page.

Q: What is TexShare and how does it help me?
A: TexShare is a resource sharing program in which most libraries throughout Texas participate. The TexShare card, along with a photo ID, may be taken to any participating library and used to obtain borrowing privileges. The card can be obtained by currently enrolled students from the institution at which they are enrolled.

For more information on TexShare:
TexShare's website
Participating TexShare libraries

Q: Do I need to request a new TexShare card each semester and how do I do that?
A: Yes, you must request a new TexShare card each semester because the cards are only valid for one semester. You can request a card in person at the Circulation desk or have one mailed to you by e-mailing your request to Daniel.Cayce@tamucc.edu

Q: What is Interlibrary Loan? When do I use it?
A: Interlibrary Loan is the process by which a library requests materials from, or supplies materials to, another library. ILL can be used when an item needed is not found in our library's catalog or on any of the subscribed databases.

Q: How do Distance Learning students get video/audio/media?
A: None of the media housed in our library may be lent, however, given the appropriate time to locate libraries willing to lend media, we may be able to obtain them from another source.

Q: What are the minimum PC requirements to utilize library resources?
A: The Bell Library recommends one of the following browsers to access library resources:

Internet Explorer 5.0 and later
Netscape Navigator 4.7
Mozilla Firefox

Notice to AOL (America Online) users:
Be sure to use one of the browsers listed above and not the AOL default web browser.

Many of the library's full-text articles are in PDF format. Adobe Reader is required to view PDF files. It is free and can be downloaded by clicking on the following graphic.


Firewalls and pop-up blockers will sometimes interfere with access to library databases. If you are experiencing problems viewing library resources, try turning off or disabling these features.

Webpage revised on 09/13/2007